More stories like this should be written, and written this way – dramatic and sensitive renditions of history that takes us to Philippines most Filipinos know nothing about, but whose tribulations and triumphs continue to bear a profound impact on the nation – indeed, on our sense of a nation. Yabes presents a creative, often lyrical, narrative of life and love in a sultanate caught between past and future. Some readers might object to the fact that YAbes is not Muslim and should not have written this; but she draws on many years of sympathetic immersion in the Philippine south, in its politics and culture. The best test of this account’s headline, which will tell you much less, and much less eloquently.